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IndyCar, Firestone extend tire deal through 2018

December 20, 2012

Firestone and IndyCar have extended their working agreement, making the tire company the sole provider of tires to the series through 2018. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

IndyCar has extended its contract with Firestone as the sole supplier of the IndyCar Series. The new deal, announced Friday, is for five years, keeping Firestone as the sole tire supplier through the 2018 season.

Firestone's contract was to expire at the end of the 2013 season. It has not re-upped with IndyCar's Indy Lights Series. Firestone is the title sponsor of the sport's top developmental division.

IndyCar was building a relationship with Continental to take Firestone's place, but that drew the ire of the paddock that pointed to Firestone's sparkling safety record.

“The Firestone brand’s significant contributions to Izod IndyCar Series racing are the result of more than 100 years of experience competing in this sport, most recently as part of a continuous 22-year partnership,” said Jeff Belskus, interim president and CEO of IndyCar. “The agreement expands our opportunity to continue working together to provide on-track excitement for our fans and grow the sport through coordinated and consistent off-track promotions. This is an important relationship for both Firestone and IndyCar and we are very pleased to continue the association.”

Firestone's contract extension comes as its executive director, Al Speyer, plans for his retirement following the Indianapolis 500.